Form follows function

I think we could make a broad assumption and say that nobody enjoys soggy socks, slipping over on ice, or stilettos in the snow. There is a time every year, when none of us are immune to an unforgiving climate. It's when fashion asks its most challenging questions, and when big footwear decisions need to be made. Like us, I'm sure you scan your favourite brands, looking for this season’s warm winter boots that will A) protect you from the above disasters, B) work with the wardrobe you have, not just your leggings, and C) are acceptable for even fashion’s hardest critics (on that note, any ideas on what Anna Wintour wears during bad weather?).

The ABCs of après-ski

Aquazzura, more known for their toe-exposing heels, do shearling boots that are so great they make you second guess wearing them in summer. A nice delicate fit that laces up with rubber soles and plenty of tread. We imagine this shoe on slippery sidewalks would be the equivalent of a Porsche on black ice, both quite complimentary investments? For sheep-skin lined boots in all their snuggly glory, it’s impossible not to mention Ugg Australia. From their early beginnings, worn on the feet of cute Australian surfer boys for not-really-that-cold mornings to Sloane street shopping, these fluffy boots are only resistible if you never try them on. Which is why every single one of us owns a pair or five. Kate Moss made designer wellies a thing. During her Pete Doherty and hot-pants phase, that somehow we all managed to relate to, Kate put Wellington boots on the fashion map for good. In fact Wellington boots, we would go as far as saying, are the mascot of the Glastonbury music festival. Against all good gardening reasons, Hunters have become sexy. It’s quite simply the most seductive waterproof boot on the market, which is great, because they're lifesavers! Moonboots, with their space-meets-ski-resort aesthetic have powered on since the late ‘60s, and are still the most requested snow boots for women. They are the classic fur boots you wear for après-ski entertainment. A more rugged option for ladies snow boots, (their style has influenced quite a few designers) is Sorel. Trust the Canadians to come up with something Arctic-chic. Waterproof snow boots, or indeed just plain waterproof boots meant a pair of Sorel's for those of us who didn't grow up in balmy weather. They’re as warm as they are nostalgic.

Winter boots aren't just for urban landscapes and snow-capped mountains. Nobody is stopping you from looking in-vogue for that hiking trip to Patagonia or that hunt in Oxford. We are super happy Givenchy makes rain boots and Jimmy Choo make hike-friendly canvas boots.

So, ladies, winter boots aren't as tricky if you know where to look, and you've already solved that problem, so you've got one steady boot in the right place!